What would your approach be to this....

[amy_bb]

Ok, pros and pro wannabees, here's a question for you.

Background: I live in a small town. Been the MWAC (mom with a camera) for years and have decided to hang out my shingle for kid's sports photography this fall for currently un-photographed events (specifically Little Loop Football, diving, some ski racing, some baseball). Doing the Zenfolio, here's the pics I took, buy them if you want thing. I will not do weddings, portraits, studio work, posed team shots or anything that requires skills I don't have or gear that I don't have. Looking for now to fill an unfilled niche. What the hell, I'm there anyway.

2 other Mom Photogs in town.

#1 Been in business a few years, claims 20yrs experience w/photoraphy, takes very mediocre pics (Ok, pretty bad, blown out, un original pics,,,,but I digress). Hired for team posed shots (you know, the "here's your kid in his uniform" pic), all the town's school pics, a few weddings and has a studio. She does not do action shots but is already hired for the Little Loop Football team/posed shots.

#2 Been in business for 1 yr. Does some pretty nice, outdoorsy stuff w/families, some nature stuff. Good pics, no studio or contracted work. Has a kid on the football squad but no mention of doing the action shot business.

Relationship of both photogs to me: Acquaintances, FB friends, Kids in the same classes at school. Never had a beer together

Question: Do I approach both ladies, explain that I plan to start this business venture which should not infringe on what they currently market? Do I lay it out on the table so they know what I'm doing when they see me at the games and not have any kind of super secretive gig? Kind of claim my territory if you will? Be respectful of their work and let them know what my plan is?
Or, do I just go about my business, figure they'll find out about it eventually and that what I'm doing is none of their business anyway. They never checked w/me when they started out (although I wasn't in business at the time).

Discuss.

[SusanH1970]

Well....I never called up the other portrait photographers in town and asked if it was okay with them for me to start my own business....

I don't see the reason in contacting them prior to starting yours.

[kelleyrie]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Well....I never called up the other portrait photographers in town and asked if it was okay with them for me to start my own business....

I don't see the reason in contacting them prior to starting yours.

Yep, this exactly.

Yeah, generally it's not a good idea to let your competition know what you are doing.

One of my friends does this. Gets a step ladder and hangs out in the outfield with a 200-500mm lens. Not sure you'll make a lot of money, but probably enough to keep you entertained.

And just because you "don't" do certain types of photography now doesn't mean you won't be talked into them in the future. I started as a high-speed shoot-for-fun photographer, and ended up shooting weddings, baby photos, maternity, family, product, charity events, corporate events, marathons...even got an offer to consult on a Japanese TV show.

Once people notice your photos are better than the other photographers, expect the offers to pour in.

[amy_bb]

So I'm not supposed to run this like a ladies book club where no one's feelings get hurt and we all get along?

Damn, I guess I'll have to act like a business woman and...well..run a business.

Seriously though, thanks for the reality check. I'll make my mistakes but at least I have this as a sounding board.

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

Yeah, generally it's not a good idea to let your competition know what you are doing.

One of my friends does this. Gets a step ladder and hangs out in the outfield with a 200-500mm lens. Not sure you'll make a lot of money, but probably enough to keep you entertained.

And just because you "don't" do certain types of photography now doesn't mean you won't be talked into them in the future. I started as a high-speed shoot-for-fun photographer, and ended up shooting weddings, baby photos, maternity, family, product, charity events, corporate events, marathons...even got an offer to consult on a Japanese TV show.

Once people notice your photos are better than the other photographers, expect the offers to pour in.

I'm picturing me on a stepladder w/a 200-500mm lens....I think it may be me who is doing the entertaining in this case.

I do have some actual paid-in-kind work potentially on the schedule. I've been asked to do some brochure shoots for our local ski area's promotional material in exchange for some season's ski passes.

Too legit to quit....

[RichardsonPhotography]

I agree with the others. By informing them that you are going to grab an oppurtunity that they haven't been smart enough to grab already you're simply opening the door for competition in this area. Granted I wouldn't be surprised if don't see one or both of the other photographers out their shooting shortly after they see you but at least you'll have the leg up on them by not making your intentions known prior to establishing yourself.

[BigFuzzy]

Exactly, run it like a business. In fact, business savvy might help you more than photographic talent.

Personally, I would in fact do everything I could to take (ethically) as much business from them as possible. I'd advertise, I'd talk to people, I'd drop flyers, cards, create an online footprinte.. etc.

If you want to do this, do it right. F them if they get upset.. they'll only get upset if they feel you're a challenge to them, and that's on them, not you.

Bring some cutthroat to the suburbs.

[amy_bb]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

Exactly, run it like a business. In fact, business savvy might help you more than photographic talent.

Personally, I would in fact do everything I could to take (ethically) as much business from them as possible. I'd advertise, I'd talk to people, I'd drop flyers, cards, create an online footprinte.. etc.

If you want to do this, do it right. F them if they get upset.. they'll only get upset if they feel you're a challenge to them, and that's on them, not you.

Bring some cutthroat to the suburbs.

Yes, the suburbs could use some cutthroat and I'm ready to provide it.
This is a good challenge for me to move from mom-business owner. I have to get past that "who does she think she is trying to be a photographer" mindset and move to the "I take good pictures and I'm better at this than you so if you don't like it, try to do better or move on".

I've actually been working w/a local graphic designer/print shop to design a catchy logo for me and then work on some print pieces for distribution/display at the games (business cards, flyers, etc). The snack shop at the field has agreed to let me put up a small sampling of my shots (prints I took at the scrimmage that was played a week or so ago) and cards. I'm about 70% done w/my Zenfolio site (still waiting on my sales tax collection certificate from NYS to set up the e-commerce piece) and I have my dba registered w/my county.

Anything else I'm forgetting in these early stages?

[GreggObst]

I think you are thinking of your competitor's "feelings" being hurt by opening up shop and competing with them. Feelings don't pay the rent or put food on the table. There are no feelings in business there is only success or failure. You need to do whatever you have to do to make your business a success. The easiest way to ensure that is to deliver a quality product with a unique angle at a fair price. Don't worry about your competition. Good luck in your pursuits.

[AndyM2020]

As others have said, it doesn't matter how the other two feel. If you think you can make it, go for it.

It also depends where you pitch yourself - you may be at a point with price, products and services where you're not in direct competition anyway.